EA Sports UFC 2

If you are a fan of mixed martial arts, then one problem you might run into is the sheer lack of quality video games. Fighting games in general which are based in the real world tend to pale in comparison to more fantastical options out there. However, the release of EA Sports UFC 2 was supposed to change this. The second edition of the series, EA Sports UFC 2 added many changes and provided well over 200 fighters to pick from in the title itself.

First released in 2016, the game has since managed to build quite a powerful range of fans. Given the competitive nature of the game and the fact it was released with some of the major UFC stars of the era at their peak, many enjoy harking back to this title other alternatives.

UFC combat based in stunning visuals

Despite coming out in 2016, EA Sports UFC 2 is a game that manages to capture the visuals of the sport itself. Just as the old Fight Night games used to, this captures the feel of an actual UFC match. This means that all of the artwork, the detail, the drama, and the build-up feels like a good representation of the real thing. The gameplay itself is solid, with players able to punch, kick, grabble, submit, and takedown with ease. Each weight class retains its own feel, with heavier fighters feeling like total bruisers whilst more adept fighters feel generally more nimble.

The game also built upon many of the strengths of its predecessor whilst adding more features asked for by fans. The end result is a fighting game that feels smooth, looks excellent for its age, and has added a very deep player roster. If you want to fight with a particular fighter from the 2016ish era, you should have no problem finding them in this fighting game.

However, EA Sports UFC 2 falls down – much like the old Fight Night games, which it compares to in many ways – in terms of mode depth. The career mode is a low effort shambles in many ways, and other modes feel lacking in depth. Like many games of its era, EA Sports UFC 2 feels aimed more at multiplayer.

A satisfying recreation of a UFC bought (7/10)

Like many EA games, there is the argument that EA Sports UFC 2 is style over substance. It looks the part, with the looks of the highest profile fighters extremely impressive. Star names like Connor McGregor feel very unique to use, whilst the lower profile fighters feel like they are just based on a generic kind of fighting archetype. This does mean that fights with lesser profile fighters can feel far less enjoyable than a high profile bout between two of the stars of the era.

Pros

• Excellent visuals and look, even compared to its sequel
• Still feels fun to play, and matches the drama of a real UFC fight

Cons

• Tanking controls can make this an awkward title to try and learn
• Lacks enough depth in most of its main modes outside of multiplayer